A Few Holiday Feelings

 Jenny learned to crochet!  Isn't this octopus adorable? 

Hello to you!  November is almost over and tomorrow is Bill's birthday!  It's a big birthday so I am excited to celebrate him!  The only sad thing is that he is not a fan of birthday cake.  Boo.  I never did get around to making myself a birthday cake, so I would like to partake of cake on HIS birthday, but I may have to settle for a restaurant dessert.

I have been knitting for my niece's baby and my brother (shawl and hat for baby, socks for the grandpa).  I am not a speedy knitter, I guess.  It seems to take FOREVER for me to finish projects, even small ones.  

Oh!  Do you like my new flannel sheets?  I like cartoon-y prints on my bedding.  I have been thinking about decorating for Christmas but I shall wait until after Thanksgiving.  I bought the turkey but that is all I have done to prepare.  I wish I could go real slow and savor all the preparations.  I wish I could take my time creating appetizers and pie, but somehow I feel a bit rushy when it comes to preparing the meal.  I am praying for successful gravy.

I decided not to overdo when it comes to Advent books, because for quite a few years I have purchased new books and guides and then not been that attracted to them.  Weird. I'm going to switch things up this year.  (I just paused for a minute and turned on Andy Williams Christmas!) I really am going to try to think of very creative fun.  One thing we'll do is go to the chapel and sing with my Bible study friends.  I will go to see my Plum Cake in Nutcracker. I am going to a candlelight dinner with Jenny and a fun Christmas tea with Kelli.  Maybe I'll pack a lunch and go for a holiday walk, partaking in hot chocolate and a peanut butter sandwich.

I've been making bread with my bread machine.  It's been kind of dry but I toast it.  Have you heard of the wheat grinders that people are buying?  Do you want to grind your own wheat? I don't think we eat enough bread to justify a wheat grinder.   

Are there any friendly places you like to frequent in your city or town?  The library?  A coffee shop?  A neighbor's home? Your church?  I like all of the clerks at the grocery store but sometimes they seem weary even though they are always pleasant.  Maybe I will put a stash of small goodies in my bag and give little gifts to them each time I shop.  

In my reading group we are going to read a book about Saint Nicholas for our December meeting.  I might buy my book clubbers chocolate Santas.

Have you heard of the Examen?  It's an Ignatian prayer where you practice self reflection in God's presence.  It can be as simple as asking yourself what you are most thankful for at the end of the day and what you are not particularly thankful for.  It's nice to light a candle while you reflect.  I certainly am reminded of God's good faithfulness when I practice this. 

 

In what way are you going to add a thing or two to your Christmas decor?  I ordered a reindeer print quilt to use as a tablecloth, some ruffled gingham (green) shams for the sofa, and two pink Christmas print throws to hang as curtains in my hobbit hole.  I'll take a photo when they come.  I did buy a little gingerbread doll from Target quite a few weeks ago. I'll show you where I decide to place her.

Today I was dreaming of fixing up a good napping spot in the guest room.  It's right here by my hobbit hole and sometimes when I can't settle on what to do next, I think I am tired and in need a short nap, so it would be fun to have a furry little nest on the guest room bed.  I'm planning it.  Timothy would probably adopt it but we can share.

I hope you are doing well.  What's on your mind today?  What kind of holiday plans instill hope in your sweet heart?

Well, thank you for popping by and saying hello!  (BIG HUG!)